“THE GIFT OF THE MAGI”
BY O. HENRY
Interactive Reading Guide
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (p. 121)
· O. Henry published a few stories in local magazines and the editors at the New Your World newspaper sent a reporter to track him down. He agreed to write one story a week and he established his reputation as a gifted story teller and master of surprise endings.
· His pen name was William Sydney Porter.
· He married, and then he became a reporter and columnist for the Houston Post.
· His wife was diagnosed with tuberculosis; he was accused of embezzling from the bank that he worked at to pay medical bills. He fled to Central America, but when he came back to check on his wife, he turned himself into the police. His wife dies and he spent 3 years in prison.
· It was in prison that he began writing the stories that made him famous. W.S. PORTER emerged as O. Henry.
· He moved back to New York, published 100 stories and gained worldwide acclaim.
LITERARY ELEMENTS
Symbol/Symbolism: (when) any person, place, animal, object or event that exists on a literal level within a work but also represents something on a figurative level.
After reading a story, you can identify symbols by determining which objects or elements play an important role in the story. For example, a dove is often considered to be a symbol of peace. If a dove lands on the windowsill of a family in conflict, it might symbolize an end to the conflict and a fresh start for the family.
LITERARY ELEMENTS
Allusion: a reference to a person, place, or event from literature, history, religion, or culture.
For example, to communicate the idea of self-sacrifice one may refer to Jesus, as part of Jesus' story portrays him dying on the cross in order to save mankind. In addition, to express righteousness, one might allude to Noah who "had no faults and was the only good man of his time.” Thus, allusions serve an important function in writing in that they allow the reader to understand a difficult concept by relating to an already familiar story.
Plot: the sequence of events in a short story, novel, or drama
Plot twist: surprise ending
- Authors create plot twists by leading the reader to believe that something will happen and then having something unexpected instead.
Ironic situation: occurs when there is a contrast between what would seem appropriate and what really happens or when there is a contradiction between what we expect to happen and what really does take place.
Symbol/Symbolism: (when) any person, place, animal, object or event that exists on a literal level within a work but also represents something on a figurative level.
After reading a story, you can identify symbols by determining which objects or elements play an important role in the story. For example, a dove is often considered to be a symbol of peace. If a dove lands on the windowsill of a family in conflict, it might symbolize an end to the conflict and a fresh start for the family.
READING STRATEGIES
Problem: is often the reason for the conflict in the story
Solution: will propel the action of the story; a character’s response or answer to a problem
*When there is a problem in a story there is usually more than one solution that a character can choose. The chosen solution reveals something about the character.
*Identifying the main problem and solution will help you to reveal story structure.
Making inferences: making a conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning
Making predictions: guessing at what might happen
CRITICAL THINKING
Expressing an opinion: expressing a view somebody takes about an issue
Interpreting: ascribing a particular meaning or significance to something
Speculating: to think over possibilities
“THE GIFT OF THE MAGI”
BY O. HENRY
Interactive Reading Guide
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (p. 121)
· O. Henry published a few stories in local magazines and the editors at the New Your World newspaper sent a reporter to track him down. He agreed to write one story a week and he established his reputation as a gifted story teller and master of surprise endings.
· His pen name was William Sydney Porter.
· He married, and then he became a reporter and columnist for the Houston Post.
· His wife was diagnosed with tuberculosis; he was accused of embezzling from the bank that he worked at to pay medical bills. He fled to Central America, but when he came back to check on his wife, he turned himself into the police. His wife dies and he spent 3 years in prison.
· It was in prison that he began writing the stories that made him famous. W.S. PORTER emerged as O. Henry.
· He moved back to New York, published 100 stories and gained worldwide acclaim.
ANTICIPATION GUIDE
DIRECTIONS: Put an “X” in the space to indicate whether or not you agree or disagree with the corresponding statement.
Agree Disagree Statement
1) It is better to give than to receive.
2) A penny saved is a penny earned.
3) Deceiving people is OK sometimes.
4) Crying makes everything better.
5) Pleasing others is not always easy.
6) There are rewards to sacrificing.
7) Women are more verbal than men.
8) Beauty as well as ugliness is only skin deep.
9) A practical gift is always more appreciated than a
frivolous one.
10) The wise man is always right.
CONNECT TO THE STORY
· What kinds of sacrifices have you made in order to solve a problem?
· What personal items would you have a hard time giving up and why?
VOCABULARY WORDS
For “The Gift of the Magi”
VOCABULARY WORD / + / ? / - / Used in context / Definition / Hints/CluesImputation (p. 123) / He hadn’t done anything wrong, so he didn’t like the imputation. / an accusation
Parsimony (p. 123) / Despite his wealth, the man was known for his parsimony. / stinginess
Instigate (p. 123) / My brother always instigates fights with me. / give rise to; provoke or urge on to some action
Depreciate (p.125) / The abandoned house on the corner of our street depreciates our home’s worth. / to lessen the price or value of
Prudence (p. 126) / It was a dangerous place, and therefore, her prudence was wise. / caution; good judgment
Scrutiny (p.127) / The investigator searched the scene with scrutiny. / close inspection
Coveted (p.128) / Our team finally earned the coveted championship trophy. / wanted
READING GUIDE
Identifying Problem and Solution (p. 123) What problem does O. Henry present in the opening paragraph?
He established that Della is poor and she does not have enough money to buy a Christmas present.
Expressing an Opinion (p. 123) Do you agree with the “moral reflection” in the second paragraph?
Yes, for most people, life is full of hardship, suffering, and sorrow. OR No, it’s too pessimistic- life is what you make of it.
Making Inferences (p. 123-124) What do the details in paragraphs 3-5 tell you about the couple and the setting of the story?
The couple is poor, since they have a shabby apartment, their income has shrunk, and they cannot afford to fix things. The story takes place in the past, since both the rent and the husband’s income are far less than they would be today.
Symbolism (p. 124) What do the things Della sees out the window symbolize?
They symbolize Della’s sadness and the gloomy mood.
Symbolism (p. 125) What do the watch and hair represent?
The watch is a symbol of continuity in Jim’s family. Della’s hair is a symbol of beauty. Both are a source of pride.
Making Inferences (p. 125) What is the narrator saying in the third paragraph?
He is saying Jim and Della value their prized possessions more than riches.
Identifying Problem and Solution (p. 125) When the narrator says “Once she faltered for a minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed on the worn red carpet,” what do you think Della is going to do?
Della is going to do something with her hair, such as cut it off, and sell it.
Making Predictions (p. 125) Where do you think Della is going when she leaves her house?
Possible answers: To sell her hair OR to take a walk OR to find something for Jim that costs no more than
$ 1.87
Rewards and Sacrifices (p. 126) How do you think Della feels about her sacrifice when she “knew it must be Jim’s”?
Della has possibly put aside her feelings of loss regarding her hair when she sees the perfect fob chain for Jim’s watch.
Rewards and Sacrifices (p. 126) Do you agree with the narrator that generosity combined with love can cause damage that is difficult to repair?
Answers will vary
Point of View (p. 126) What point of view is the story told in?
The story is told in the third person omniscient point of view.
Identifying Problem and Solution (p. 126) Della cut her hair to buy a gift for Jim. What new problem is caused by this solution?
Della is worried that Jim will not find her pretty without her long hair
Making Predictions (p. 126) (2nd paragraph) What do you think will happen when Jim sees Della?
Possible responses: he won’t care about her hair; he will be angry that she sold her most prized possession just to buy him a present
Making Inferences (p. 126) (3rd paragraph) Why might Jim be acting so strangely?
Possible responses: He cannot believe her hair is gone OR he is confused about what she did
Breaking Down Text (p. 127) What does the author suggesting in the 5th paragraph?
The author is suggesting that money is not the measure of true love and that the Magi did not bring the gift of self-sacrificing love.
Ironic Situation (p. 128) How do the combs create an ironic situation?
With her hair so short, Della has no use for the combs; it’s ironic because Della sold her hair to buy a gift.
Identifying problem and Solution (p. 128) What problem does Della realize Jim was struggling with when he saw her “beautiful vanished hair”?
Ironic Situation (p. 128) How does this “snapper” or surprise twist, make the situation in the story even more ironic?
Both Dell and Jim sacrificed their most cherished possession to buy something of use with the other’s most cherished possession.
Rewards and Sacrifices (p. 128) (last paragraph) O. Henry is comparing the gifts that Jim and Della exchanged with the Magi’s gifts. What does this comparison suggest about Jim’s and Della’s gifts?
It suggests that Jim and Della’s gifts to each other were motivated by love. Jim and Della were poor, yet they found a way to give each other profound gifts. In the end, it was not the watch chain or the combs that mattered, but their willingness to make sacrifices for each other.
Allusions in the story:
The person, place, or event from literature, history, religion, or culture. / Significance of ReferenceThe Magi / The story of the Magi and Della and Jim are both set at Christmas. Della and Jim, though porr, feel as generous and determined to give gifts as the magi had. The lesson the tow characters learn makes them wiser, like the magi.
King Solomon / King Solomon was a very rich king who was also wiles. The idea that Solomon would crave Jim’s watch reveals its value.
Queen of Sheba / Like the Queen of Sheba, Della is very beautiful and walthy in her own way . Her hair is the source of bother her beauty and her wealth.
Allusions to these figures underscore the story’s theme, which is:
Exploring and Explaining Symbolic Significance in the Story:
Significance to Jim / Significance to DellaDella’s Hair / Represents her beauty
Jim’s Watch / Represents his family and tradition
Literal Meaning / Symbolic Meaning
Magi / Three wise men in biblical stories / Della and Jim are the true magi because of their self-sacraficing gifts
Symbol / Meaning
Jim’s middle name, Dillingham, on the mailbox / As Jim’s income shrinks, his name on th emailboc seems to reflect that. It gets smaller and less important sounding.
A gray cat walking a gray fence in a gray backyard. / Everything seems colorless and unhappy for Della. It reflects her sadness and gloominess.
Della selling her hair / She sacrificing the one valuable thing she has for Jim, which shows that he’s more valuable to her than anything else
The watch chain that Della buys Jim / The chain represents her love for Jim. It connects him to the treasured watch, which means that he is treasured, too.
ANALYZE AND EVALUATE
· Della compares the watch chain to Jim: Quietness and value- the description applied to both. Does this description apply to Jim when he enters the flat? Explain.
· When Jim sees Della, he quietly tries to comprehend the changes he sees in Della. When he does respond, he is calm and comforting. He states that the changes would never diminish his feelings for her.
· Describe the situational irony in this story. What lesson about life and love do you think it teaches Della and Jim?
· The situational irony occurs because both Della and Jim expect to delight the other with a gift. Instead, their sacrifices render both gifts useless. Della and Jim may learn that their love does not need material gifts to survive or that love can lead to unexpected results.
· What is the real “gift” referred to in the title? (Notice that O. Henry says “gift,” not “gifts.”)
· The real gift is the gift of love.
· A paradox is an apparent contradiction that is actually true. It may be a statement or situation. Explain why the following statement is a paradox: Jim and Della were one of the richest couples on earth.
· Jim and Della are materially poor, but they are rich in love.
· According to the narrator, who were the Magi? Why do you think the narrator refers to Della and Jim as the Magi?